Veneer anchoring system

ABSTRACT

A masonry anchoring system for use in commercial and residential construction is described. In one aspect, the invention includes a brick tie that interfaces the masonry veneer and interlocks with an anchor plate mounted on a structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an anchoring system that couplesmasonry exterior to a structure, and more particularly, to an improvedbrick tie for coupling an outer veneer to an inner structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of masonry veneer on a timber frame, steel frame, concretemasonry units (“CMU”), or concrete building is popular in buildingdesign because it is cost effective and provides an aestheticallypleasing appearance. Masonry veneer provides a number of significantbenefits, acting as a rain screen, a thermal barrier, and a soundbarrier. Many masonry veneers do not have the necessary structuralintegrity to accommodate the loads that can be imposed on them, such aswind and seismic forces. Therefore, the masonry veneer must be “tied”back to a structural backup wall that will carry the imposed loads. Themasonry veneer must be continuously supported at regular vertical andhorizontal intervals with masonry anchors because without continuoussupport, the masonry veneer may become overstressed, leading to verticalcracking and possible fracture. For commercial construction, coderequirements mandate the use of a minimum gauge of steel for masonryanchors, a minimum spacing between masonry anchors, and the use of hotdip galvanized steel in manufacturing masonry anchors to preventcorrosion.

The use of a continuous wire in masonry veneer walls has been found toprovide protection against problems arising from thermal expansion andcontraction. Continuous wire also improves the uniformity of thedistribution of lateral forces in a structure, thereby providingearthquake protection. The failure of several high-rise buildings towithstand wind and other lateral forces has resulted in theincorporation of a requirement for continuous wire reinforcement in theUniform Building Code provisions.

Therefore, there is a need for a better system that couples a masonryveneer to a structure and inhibits undesired environmental intrusion,while avoiding or reducing the foregoing and other problems associatedwith existing masonry anchoring systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, a system, device, and method foranchoring a masonry veneer to a structure is provided. The device formof the invention includes, in a system for anchoring a masonry veneer toa structure, a brick tie that interfaces the masonry veneer andinterlocks with an anchor plate mounted on a structure. The brick tiehas a body with a substantially triangular shape that includes a baseportion capable of interlocking with the anchor plate. A first side legportion and a second side leg portion each extend from the base portionat diverging obtuse angles. A first front leg portion extends from thefirst side portion and a second front leg portion extends from thesecond side leg portion at converging acute angles. The first front legportion and the second front leg portion are substantially parallel toone another. In some embodiments, the front leg portions partiallyoverlap one another. In some embodiments, the two front leg portions arespaced apart from one another by a distance sufficient to allow thesecond leg portion to be inserted into the anchor plate.

In accordance with further aspects of the invention, a system form ofthe invention includes a masonry anchoring system. The masonry anchoringsystem includes at least one anchor plate mounted on a structure foranchoring a masonry veneer to the structure. Each anchor plate includesa body having a backing member and a projecting member that define aslot therebetween adapted to receive and interlock with a brick tie. Thebacking member includes means for attaching the anchor plate to thestructure. The masonry anchoring system further includes at least onebrick tie. Each brick tie interfaces the masonry veneer and interlockswith the anchor plate mounted on the structure. Each brick tie has abody with a substantially triangular shape that includes a base portioncapable of interlocking with the anchor plate. A first side leg portionand a second side leg portion each extend from the base portion atdiverging obtuse angles. A first front leg portion extends from thefirst side portion and a second front leg portion extends from thesecond side leg portion at converging acute angles. The first front legportion and the second front leg portion are substantially parallel toone another.

In accordance with this invention, a method form of the inventionincludes a method for manufacturing a brick tie for use in a masonryanchoring system. The method includes fabricating a steel wire ofappropriate gauge and dimension by bending the wire into a truncatedtriangular shape. The method includes stamping a portion of the frontleg portions of the brick tie to form regions of deflection. In someembodiments, the method includes dipping the shaped wire form into amolten substance to form an alloy coating so as to provide cathodicprotection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a building, illustrating anexemplary anchoring system for coupling a portion of brick veneer to astructure, the anchor system comprising anchor plates mounted to astructure having brick ties interlocked therein in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary anchor system of theinvention, illustrating an anchor plate vertically positioned with abrick tie interlocked in the anchor plate;

FIG. 3A is a front view of a brick tie comprising a truncated triangularshape with overlapping front legs having distal ends bent in the samedirection in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a front view of a brick tie comprising a truncated triangularshape with overlapping front legs having distal ends bent in oppositedirections in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a front view of a brick tie comprising a truncated triangularshape with overlapping front legs of different lengths having distalends bent in the same direction in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4A is a front view of a brick tie comprising a truncated triangularshape with overlapping front legs bowed in opposite directions inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a front view of a brick tie comprising a truncated triangularshape with overlapping front legs bowed in the same direction inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a front view of a brick tie comprising a truncated triangularshape with overlapping front legs bowed in the opposite direction andhaving straight distal ends; and

FIG. 5 is a process diagram of a method for manufacturing a brick tiefor a masonry coupling system in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Generally described, the present invention provides a system and devicefor anchoring masonry veneer to a structure, such as, for example, aninterior wall or exterior wall of a building (commercial orresidential). Masonry veneers are a popular construction design forcommercial buildings. Various embodiments of the present inventionprovide a coupling system to securely anchor a masonry veneer tostructural walls that complies with commercial building codes.Preferably, the coupling system eases the toilsome effort with which amason installs masonry veneers. In various embodiments, a number ofanchor plates which extend longitudinally are mounted on a wall of astructure. A corresponding number of brick ties interface the masonryveneer and each interlock with an anchor plate mounted on the wall ofthe structure.

The shape of the brick tie and the regions of deflection on the frontlegs of the brick tie provide several unexpected advantages over otherbrick ties used in anchoring systems. For example, the substantiallytriangular shape provides increased strength and lateral stability incomparison to a right angled shape. The triangular configuration allowsfor a secure positive engagement with the anchor plate and limitshorizontal motion while still allowing for vertical flexibility. Thefront leg portions provide a wide surface area for improved mortarcapture in the mortar joint. The triangular shape combined with theregions of deflection also provides ease of insertion for thebricklayer. For example, in one embodiment, the regions of deflection onthe front legs of the brick tie allow a mason to easily clip the bricktie into the anchor plate. The overlapping front legs provide a regionof positive engagement with the reinforcement wire, thereby providingadditional strength to the anchoring system. Another unexpectedadvantage is the ease of manufacturing the brick tie from a single wire,as further described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary masonry anchoring system 100. Brieflydescribed, the masonry anchoring system 100 includes at least one anchorplate 200 mounted on a structure 112 and at least one brick tie 300 thatinterfaces a section of a masonry veneer 114 and interlocks with theanchor plate 200 to couple the masonry veneer 114 to the structure 112.The brick tie 300 is placed in a bed joint 116 of the masonry veneer114. Reinforcing wire 120 runs through a wire capture element on thebrick tie 300 and is embedded in mortar.

The masonry anchoring system 100 and devices are suitable for couplingmasonry veneers to a structure in commercial and residentialapplications, allow for efficient installation and flexibility duringconstruction, and are resistant to tension and compression forces. Themasonry anchoring system 100 and devices of various embodiments of thepresent invention may be used in the construction of any building (forexample, concrete, CMU, wood frame and steel frame buildings), whoseexterior is covered by a masonry veneer. Accordingly, the system anddevices of various embodiments of the present invention may be used byanyone involved in the construction of a building, such as constructionworkers, contractors, masons, bricklayers, masonry contractors andlaypersons. Various embodiments of the present invention areparticularly beneficial to masonry contractors, allowing for efficientinstallation of an anchoring system in order to maximize time availablefor laying brick. As described in more detail below, the anchor plateand brick tie design allow for increased strength and speed in themanufacture and installation process. The system may be fabricated outof heavy gauge steel and may be hot dip galvanized to comply withcommercial building codes.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary anchor plate 200 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The exemplary anchor plate 200comprises a body having a backing member 202 and a projecting member 210that define a slot 220 therebetween. The projecting member 210 may beformed by punching out a region from the backing member 202 so as toresult in a slot 220 that is sufficiently spaced from the backing member202 to receive and interlock with a portion of the brick tie 300.

Various suitable configurations and dimensions of the anchor plate 300can be used to accommodate particular applications and/or building coderequirements. The elongated rectangular shape of the anchor plate 200and slot 220 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The anchor plate 200 may be anylength suitable for coupling a masonry veneer to a structure. Theelongated slot 220 of the anchor plate 200 allows flexibility inpositioning a brick tie that interfaces the masonry veneer. In someembodiments, an individual anchor plate 200 receives and interlocks withmultiple brick ties to couple multiple sections of masonry veneer to astructure. In other embodiments, an individual anchor plate 200 receivesand interfaces with a single brick tie that interfaces the masonryveneer to couple a section of masonry veneer to a structure.

In one exemplary embodiment, the anchor plate backing member 202 iscapable of receiving an insertable projecting member 210. For example,the projecting member 210 may be a portion of a larger structure adaptedto interface with multiple anchor plate backing members 202. Inoperation, the projecting member 210 is inserted through an opening inthe backing member 202 to form the slot 220 capable of receiving aportion of the brick tie 300.

In another exemplary embodiment, the anchor plate 200 comprises arectangular backing member 202 body having a slot 220 capable ofreceiving a portion of the brick tie 300, wherein the slot 220 isintegrally formed in the backing member at a location adjacent a firstend of the backing member. In such an embodiment, a second end of therectangular backing member may further comprise a retaining portioncapable of securing the anchor plate 200 to a structure.

Typically, masonry veneer is commercially available in standardizedpanel sizes, such as 16 inch by 24 inch, or 24 inch by 24 inch.Therefore, an exemplary range for a suitable anchor plate is from about2 inches to about 2 feet. In some embodiments, the length of the anchorplate is greater than 2 feet. In other embodiments, the length of theanchor plate is in the range of about 4 inches to about 12 inches. Thewidth of the backing member 202 can be any width suitable for mountingof the anchor 200 to a structure. See FIG. 1. For example, the width ofthe backing member 202 can be from about ½ inch to about 2 inches wide.In a preferred embodiment, the anchor plate 200 has the followingapproximate dimensions: the backing member 202 has an elongatedrectangular shape of about 6 inches in length and about 1¼ inches inwidth. The slot 220 formed between the backing member 202 and theprojecting member 210 is approximately 4 inches in length.

In the embodiment of the anchor plate 300 shown in FIG. 2, the backingmember 202, the projecting member 210 and the slot 220 are eachsubstantially rectangular in shape, however it should be understood thatother suitable shapes may also be utilized. For example, other suitableshapes for the projecting member 210 include a U-shaped member, aV-shaped member, or a rod-shaped member (not shown).

With continued reference to FIG. 2, some embodiments of the anchor plate200 include a plurality of fastener holes 204A, 204B through the backingmember along its length for securing the anchor plate 200 to astructure. The fastener holes 204A, 204B are sized to suit variousfasteners, such as screws or bolts, with holes of a diameter such as5/16 inch to ¼ inch in diameter.

The anchor plate 200 may be constructed out of any suitablenon-corrosive material such as galvanized bright steel, hot dippedsteel, or stainless steel. In order to maximize the corrosion resistantproperties of the anchor 200 as well as minimize cost, it is preferablyto manufacture the anchor plates 200 from bright steel followed by hotdip galvanization. For example, the anchor 200 may be constructed ofsteel in the range. of about 11 gauge to about 20 gauge.

Several configurations for the brick tie 300 are possible. Referring nowto FIG. 3A, a front view of a brick tie 300A is shown. The brick tie300A has a truncated triangular shape with a base portion 310A, a firstside leg portion 322A, a second side leg portion 332A, a first front legportion 324A and a second front leg portion 334A. Included within eachof the front leg portions is a region of deflection 326A, 336A. The baseportion 310A is shaped and dimensioned to be received and interlockwithin the slot 220 of the anchor plate 200. The width of the baseportion 310A may be any width that is suitable to interlock with theslot 220 anchor of the anchor plate 200. Illustrative examples ofsuitable widths for the base portion of the brick tie include a rangefrom about ¾ inch to about 6 inches, but preferably from about 1 inch to2 inches. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the base portion 310A issubstantially straight, however, other suitable shapes may be utilizedthat correspond to the shape of the anchor plate and allow a secureconnection therewith, such as for example, a bowed shape, a roundedshape, or a V-shape.

The first side leg portion 322A and the second side leg portion 332Aeach extend outwardly and diverge from the base portion 310A at an anglegreater than 90 degrees. The length of the side leg portions 322A, 332Amay be any length that will allow the brick tie 300A to interlock withthe anchor plate 200 and interface with the masonry veneer. Illustrativeexamples of suitable lengths for the side leg portions include a rangefrom about 2 inches to about 12 inches, more preferably from about 2inches to about 6 inches. In some embodiments, the first side legportion 322A and the second side leg portion 332A are different lengths,as described in more detail below.

As shown in the embodiment of the brick tie 300A illustrated in FIG. 3A,the first front leg portion 324A extends inward from the first side legportion 322A at an angle less than 90 degrees. The second front legportion 334A extends inward from the second side leg portion 332A at anangle less than 90 degrees and lies parallel to and partially overlapsthe first front leg portion 324A. In some embodiments, the front legportions 324A and 334A are substantially the same length. In otherembodiments, the front leg portion 324A is a different length than thefront leg portion 334A.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in one embodiment of the brick tie 300A, the secondside leg portion 332A is longer than the first side leg portion 322A.The difference in length between the first and second side leg portionsis chosen such that a gap 312 is formed between the two substantiallyparallel, overlapping front leg portions 324A and 334A. The width of thegap 312 is chosen to allow ease of insertion of the second front endportion 334A through the slot 220 of the anchor plate 200. In someembodiments of the system 100, the gap 312 is also sized to accommodatethe reinforcement wire 120.

In some embodiments, the brick tie 300A further includes at least oneregion of deflection on at one or both of the front leg portions. Theregion of deflection may be located at any position along the front legportion of the brick tie 300A. The region of deflection provides severalunexpected advantages to the brick tie, including an increased ease ofinsertion into the slot on the anchor plate, increased ease andsecurement of reinforcement wire, and increased mortar capture. Althoughnot uniformly required, in seismic zones many buildings include areinforcement wire provision and require the use of mortar capturingfeatures.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A, the first front leg portion 324Aincludes a first region of deflection 326A located at its distal-mostend. A second region of deflection 336A is located at the distal-mostend of the second front leg portion 334A. The regions of deflection326A, 336A may be deflected at any suitable angle that allows for easeof insertion of the brick tie 300A into the anchor plate 200 and/orsecurement of the anchoring system 100. Illustrative examples ofsuitable angles of deflection for the deflected region include a rangefrom about 10 degrees to about 350 degrees. In one embodiment, as shownin FIG. 3A, the regions of deflection 326A, 336A are deflected inapproximately the same direction, and are deflected in the range ofabout 30 degrees to about 45 degrees.

FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment of a brick tie 300B. In thisembodiment, the first region of deflection 326B is located at thedistal-most end of the first front leg 324B and the second region ofdeflection 336A is located at the distal-most end of the second frontleg 334B. The first region of deflection 326B is deflected in adifferent direction than the second region of deflection 336B.

FIG. 3C illustrates another embodiment of a brick tie 300C. In thisembodiment, the second front leg 334C is longer than the first front leg324C. The first region of deflection 326C is located at the distal-mostend of the first front leg 324C and the second region of deflection 336Cis located at the distal-most end of the second front leg 334C. Thefirst region of deflection 326C is deflected in the same direction asthe second region of deflection 336C.

FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of a brick tie 400A. In thisembodiment, there are two regions of deflection on each front legportion 424A and 434A. The first region of deflection 426A is an arcthat bows in a first direction and is located approximately midway alongthe first front leg portion 424A. The second region of deflection 428Ais located at the distal-most end of the first front leg portion 424A.The third region of deflection 436A is an arc that bows in a seconddirection different from that of the first region of deflection 426A.The fourth region of deflection 438A is a located at the distal-most endof the second front leg portion 434A.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of a brick tie 400B, where the firstregion of deflection 426B is bowed in the same direction as the thirdregion of deflection 436B.

FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of a brick tie 400C with two regionsof deflection where the first region of deflection 426C extends midwayalong the first front leg 424C to the distal-most end thereof, and thesecond region of deflection 436C extends midway along the second frontleg 434C to the distal-most end thereof.

The brick tie 300A, 300B, 300C and 400A, 400B, 400C may be constructedfrom any suitable non-corrosive material, such as, for example,galvanized bright steel or stainless steel wire, either rounded or flat.The wire may be of any suitable gauge, such as, for example wire of 2gauge to about 10 gauge, such as 2 gauge, 4 gauge, or 6 gauge. In orderto enhance the corrosion resistant properties of the brick tie as wellas to minimize cost, it is preferable to manufacture it from brightsteel followed by hot dip galvanization.

In operation of the anchoring system 100, at least one anchor plate 200is mounted to the structure 112 by inserting fasteners such as screwsinto the fastener holes as illustrated in FIG. 1. Each anchor plate 200is mounted to the structure 112 using any suitable fastener. A pluralityof anchor plates 200 may be used in the system 100, wherein each anchorplate 200 is mounted at any suitable distance from the other anchors 200to securely couple masonry veneer to the structure. The anchor plates200 may be mounted to the structure 112 in any orientation suitable tocouple masonry veneer to the structure. For example, the anchors 200 maybe mounted to the structure 112 in a vertical or horizontal position, orthe anchors 200 may be mounted to the structure 112 at any angle betweenzero degrees and ninety degrees. The structure 112 may be an interior orexterior wall, such as, for example, a stud supported backup wall suchas a drywall, a steel stud supported wall, a concrete block wall, apoured concrete wall, or a steel I-beam wall.

Referring again to FIG. 1, after at least one anchor plate 200 ismounted to the structure 112, at least one brick tie 300 is positionedin a bed joint 116 to interface with a section of masonry veneer 114 andinterlock with the mounted anchor plate 200. Referring now to FIG. 2,the mason clips the brick tie 300 into the anchor plate 200 by insertingthe second front leg portion 334 of the brick tie 300 through the slot220 on the anchor plate 200. The mason then moves the brick tie 300 intoposition so that the base portion 310 interlocks with the projectingmember 210 on the anchor plate 200. As shown in FIG. 1, once the baseportion 310 of the brick tie 300 is interlocked with the anchor plate200, the brick tie 300 is placed horizontally on a vertically positionedsection of veneer 114 and the front leg portions of the brick tie 324,334 are placed in the bed joint 116 of the veneer 114 and embedded inmortar. The elongated shape of the anchor plate 200 and slot 220 allowsfor flexible positioning of the brick tie 300 during installation of themasonry veneer 114. In some embodiments of the system 100, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3A, reinforcing wire 120 runs through the overlapping armsand deflected regions 326A, 336A on the brick tie 300 to increase mortarcapture for additional strength in the system 100. The brick tie 300 iscapable of vertical movement within the slot 220 to enable adjustablepositioning of the brick tie to interface the mortar joint 116.

In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a method formanufacturing a brick tie. FIG. 5 shows a process diagram of a method500 for manufacturing a brick tie for a masonry anchoring system inaccordance with one embodiment of this aspect of the invention. From astart block, the method 500 proceeds to block 502 where the method 500obtains a steel wire of appropriate gauge and dimension. At block 504the method 500 fabricates the wire into a truncated triangular shape bybending the wire to include a base portion and a first side leg portionand a second side leg portion extending from the base portion atdivergent angles. The first side leg portion is then bent to form afirst front leg portion. The second side leg portion is then bent toform a second front leg portion that is parallel to and partiallyoverlaps the first front leg portion. The method 500 then stamps aportion of each of the front leg portions to form a region ofdeflection. Proceeding to block 508, the method 500 dips the brick tieinto a molten substance to form an alloy coating to provide cathodicprotection. The molten substance that provides cathodic protection maybe any suitable substance such as a substance selected from Group 2elements. Examples of suitable substances include zinc and cadmium.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will be appreciated that various changes can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. In a system for coupling a masonry veneer to a structure, a brick tiethat interfaces the masonry veneer and interlocks with an anchor mountedon the structure, comprising: a substantially triangular shaped bodyincluding a base portion capable of interlocking with the anchor; afirst side leg portion and a second side leg portion, wherein each sideleg portion extends from the base portion at diverging obtuse angles;and a first front leg portion and a second front leg portion, whereinthe first and second front leg portions each extend from the first andsecond side leg portions at converging acute angles; and wherein thefirst leg portion and the second leg portion each include a region ofdeflection.
 2. The brick tie of claim 1, wherein the first front legportion and the second front leg portion are substantially parallel toone another and partially overlap one another.
 3. The brick tie of claim2, wherein the first front leg portion and the second front leg portionare spaced apart from one another by a distance sufficient to allow thesecond leg portion to be inserted into a slot defined by a projectingmember of the anchor plate.
 4. The brick tie of claim 2, wherein thefirst front leg portion and the second front leg portion aresubstantially the same length.
 5. The brick tie of claim 2, wherein thefirst front leg portion and the second front leg portion are differentlengths.
 6. The brick tie of claim 1, wherein the region of deflectionon the first front leg portion is a first deflected distal end portionand wherein the region of deflection on the second front leg portion isa second deflected distal end portion.
 7. The brick tie of claim 6,wherein the deflected distal end portion and the second deflected distalend portion are deflected in the same direction.
 8. The brick tie ofclaim 6, wherein the deflected distal end portion and the seconddeflected distal end portion are deflected in different directions. 9.The brick tie of claim 1, wherein the region of deflection on the firstfront leg portion is a first bowed portion and wherein the region ofdeflection on the second front leg portion is a second bowed portion.10. The brick tie of claim 9, wherein the first bowed portion and thesecond bowed portion are deflected in the same direction.
 11. The bricktie of claim 9, wherein the first bowed portion and the second bowedportion are deflected in different directions.
 12. The brick tie ofclaim 1, wherein the brick tie comprises steel wire in a gauge of fromabout 11 to about
 20. 13. The brick tie of claim 1, wherein the baseportion is at least about 1 inch in length.
 14. A masonry couplingsystem, comprising: at least one anchor plate mounted on a structure foranchoring a masonry veneer to the structure, each anchor plate includinga backing member comprising means for securing the anchor plate to thestructure and a projecting member defining a slot for receiving a bricktie therethrough; and at least one brick tie, each brick tie interfacingwith the masonry veneer and interlocking with at least one anchor platemounted on the structure, each brick tie comprising a substantiallytriangular body including a base portion capable of interlocking withthe anchor; a first side leg portion and a second side leg portion,wherein each side leg portion extends from the base portion at divergingobtuse angles; and a first front leg portion and a second front legportion, wherein the first and second front leg portions each extendfrom the first and second side leg portions at converging acute angles;wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portion each include aregion of deflection.
 15. A method for manufacturing a brick tie for usein a masonry anchoring system, the method comprising: fabricating asteel wire of appropriate gauge and dimension into a truncatedtriangular shape comprising: bending the wire at a first position and asecond position to form a base portion, a first side leg portion and asecond side leg portion each extending from the base portion atdivergent obtuse angles; bending the wire at a third position to form afirst front leg portion extending from the first side leg portion at anacute angle; bending the wire at a fourth position to form a secondfront leg portion extending from the second side leg portion at an acuteangle; wherein the first front leg portion and the second front legportion are substantially parallel to, and partially overlap, oneanother; and stamping a region of deflection into the first and secondfront leg portions.